Bharatanatyam- The Classic Beat Of India
Do you feel proud of your culture? Does it make you feel enthusiastic after watching a glimpse of your state’s classical dance on republic day’s Live?
Well you must be, as there is more than one reason to feel proud of the rich and diversified culture we Indians have and it goes without saying that dance in particular and classical dances in general have played their fair share of contribution towards uniting Indians and to maintain an emotional and intangible feeling of connect among themselves.
Bharatnatyam is an Indian classical dance which has its origin in the Indian state, Tamil Nadu.
According to the hindu tradition the name ‘Bharatanatyam’ is an amalgamation of two words ‘bharata’ and ‘natyam’, where ‘natyam’ in Sanskrit, means dance and ‘bharta’ is a mnemonic comprising ‘Bha’, ‘Ra’ and ‘Ta’ which respectively means ‘bhava’ that is emotions and feelings, ‘Raga’ that is melody and ‘tala’ that is rhythm. Thus, traditionally the words refer to a dance form where bhava, raga and tala have a great role to play.
Lets Deep Dive Into It
- Bharatanatyam Costume:-
Bharatanatayam costume is one of the most beautiful and colorful costumes. It had its own grace in olden days at both king’s courts and in the temple during the festive days. There are several varieties of its costumes according to the theme of the dance and comfort for the dance movements. The style of the costumes was the same. Nowadays the eminent dancers changed the wearing of the costumes of the dancers
- Bharatanatyam Costume and Its Varieties:-
Broadly, the costumes of the Bharatnatyam can be classified into two types i.e. Pyjama style and skirt style. These two styles of dresses are artistic and help the dancer to perform the gestures according to the ‘tala sounds’. The costumes of Bharatnatyam are prepared by stitching embroidery with different religious motifs and designs. The pleats of the sari stitched with zari work of beautiful designs and motifs.
- Bharatanatyam costume for Women:-
The Bharatnatyam resembles Indian traditional sari for women and it is the combination of many varieties of cloth pieces. While the dancer performs various movements, the fan attracted very much to watch the audience. The color of the costumes is very bright and attractive. The choli can be very tight.
- Bharatanatyam costume for men:-
The traditional costume for men is simple. The dress covers the lower part of the body and upper part cover with a simple jewel. The dhoti stitched with rich embroidery and silk threads use to stitch to beautify the design on dhoti. The male dancer uses very less jewelry than women. Make up is the same for both of them.
- Bharatanatyam Jewelry:-
Bharatnatyam dancers wear a unique set of a jewelry. The set of jewelry is called Temple jewelry i.e. bangles, earrings, necklaces and wristlets. The bun decorated with flowers. The forehead is donned with tika.The ‘Thalaisaman’ i.e. headpiece worn just above the flowers in the hair. The beautiful earrings hanged to the ears, a longer chain hung to the neck.
How it can make a difference in your life
The Bharatnatyam is indeed a beautiful form of self expression.
Are you not into Bharatnatyam as yet?
Well you can’t help yourself as it improves flexibility, stamina, concentration, endurance and what not?
So, what are you waiting for?
Learn it because it is never too late to learn anything worthwhile.
Conclusion:- India is always at the forefront of culturally diversified nations and Bharatnatyam, i.e the classical dance of Tamil Nadu is the flagbearer of it. Basically it can be classified into two types pyjama style and skirt style. Women and men have different costumes where women donned in traditional sari and men in dhoti. Learn it and keep Indian culture in the heart.